Rhode Island State Capitol 1, a photo from Rhode Island, Northeast

Photographer's Note

Another in my ongoing project to visit and photograph all 50 US state capitol buildings. This series is from Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, a tiny seaside state nestled in between Massachusetts and Connecticut. It was founded in the 1600s by Puritan Roger Williams, whose at-the-time-too-liberal religious views made him an outcast in the restrictive Massachusetts Bay Colony. Setting out on his own, he founded the capital city of Providence as a place where all religions were welcome, and Rhode Island subsequently became a haven for religious freedom, a concept that would become one of the country's most basic founding principles.

Providence itself is a small but interesting city with a long history of cultural exchange brought about by its place as a New England shipping center. Today Providence is a thriving immigrant city and a hidden gem in the New England region. While Rhode Island itself has not fared well economically in recent years, Providence has had a minor Renaissance.

The State Capitol is the crown jewel of the city, visible from almost anywhere. A massive structure, it is topped by the fourth largest free-standing marble dome in the world, and second in the New World (after, interestingly, the dome of the state capitol of the state of Minnesota). This is a shot of the northern entrance of the capitol. The inscription just below the dome is merely a recitation of founding dates, but the inscription on the south side can be seen better in the workshop; it reads "To hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained with full liberty in religious concernments".

Larger version on Flickr, here.
Full Rhode Island set on Flickr, here.

macjake, macjake, Romano46, delpeoples, krzychu30, SnapRJW, snunney, annjackman, jcpix, kasianowak, ourania, Hansaphotos, dkmurphys, bona, bayno, frunchy, adores, fotka, photoray, tyro, fritzi007 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

macjake (98260) 2013-07-13 11:37

Hi Andrew
Oh this is for sure my favorite photo of yours in that collection of State Capital buildings! awesome perspective, low to the ground, looking upwards a bit, and all with a tremendous looking skyline for compliment the scene.
this one really makes a strong visual impact! pow!!
enjoy your weekend
Craig

No_One (4) 2013-07-13 11:37

Hi Andrew,
Tis is a brilliant way to shw this fine building, the low angle emphasizes the grandeur of the building, and the detailed paving adds excellent depth to the shot. All presented against a great sky and with an equally great note. Really nice, cheers.
All the best
Noel

Romano46 (18472) 2013-07-13 12:42

Ciao Andrew
ormai ti sei specializzato nel riprendere questo particolare tipo di architettura pubblica e lo fai sempre in maniera eccellente creando delle composizioni che rimangono impresso per le loro rimarchevoli caratteristiche.
In questa hai dato un ottimo risalto non solo alla struttura architettonica, ma il particolare punto di ripresa ti ha consentito (volutamente) di mettere in evidenza anche la bella pavimentazione che ha arricchito la bella fotografia facendo da contrappeso all'azzurro intenso del cielo.
Un ottimo lavoro9 per il quale ti faccio i miei complimenti.
Ciao e buona domenica.
Romano

npecanhuk (79329) 2013-07-13 15:11

Hi Andrew!
I really like all those State Capitols. This one is really beautiful and your picture of it is truly interesting and attractive specially for the chosen pov, symmetrical composition, soft light and colors!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

lousat (138551) 2013-07-13 15:25

Hi Andrew,great choice of point of view to create the perfect postcard whit a special 3D effect and the best quality of details and colors,i like it!Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

fabbs99 (17179) 2013-07-13 22:20

Hi Andrew,

Lovely shot of the Rhode Island State Capitol.Very nice colors, light and composition.Superb light management and clarity of the shot.Love the facade and the architecture of the building.Very well done.TFS.

Cheers
Farhat

delpeoples (60342) 2013-07-13 23:15

Dear Andrew

An impressive shot of an impressive building. The low POV and perspective are marvellous and the strong blue, white and red tones contrast superbly. You did well to have the lines radiating out of the foreground corners, guiding the eye towards the state house. A small gripe, at the top left of the frame, there is a part missing from the blue sky, no doubt when you've adjusted the perspective of the image and not re-cropped afterwards. A minor thing, easily fixed using Clone or the Crop tool, or even the Scale tool in RAW.

Thanks for sharing, have a lovely day
Lisa

psamaddar (1089) 2013-07-14 1:55

Great view pf the marvelous builing..liked the POV..excellent work

Regards..Prasenjit

krzychu30 (15512) 2013-07-14 2:07

Hi Andrew,
oh,these wide-angle lenses:)I really envy you this one!
The perspective is superb!Sure,the architecture of the State Capitol building is beautiful and impressive(even if it磗 the smallest State the building is impressive)
But equally as the architecture of the State Capitol I like the way you composed the foreground.The patterns and overall presentation of the walkway really appeals to me.
Beautiful shot!

Have a nice sunday
Krzysztof

SnapRJW (31631) 2013-07-14 2:33

What a dramatic and compelling shot Andrew. This WA shot is beautifully composed and managed and to my mind one of the best in the series of State Houses. The lead in provided by the pavement is superb and so meticulous in symmetry. The colours work well together and the fine detail in the sky echoes the perspective of the pavement. Excellent work, well done you! Warm regards rosemary

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2013-07-14 3:07

the big 'A' is great... Means the lines in the pavements which formed a big A which leads our view to that beautiful architecture. Excellent work. Tfs.
S

snunney (130967) 2013-07-14 3:18

Hello Andrew,
Excellent use of the super-wide angle lens here to create a wonderful feeling of depth and accentuate the graphical lines of the majestic architecture and foreground tiling. A pleasantly lit image with very good colours and superb sharpness.

yquem46 (38752) 2013-07-14 3:53

Hi Andrew
One of your best in the series on state capitol buildings
Here undoubtedly thanks to the patterned pavement, as well as its color contrast with the blue sky
Bravo, very well done
Have a nice sunday
patrick

siudzi (34141) 2013-07-14 3:54

Hi Andrew,
The graphics captured in the foreground created a fantastic visual effect and they are leading so perfectly to this superb architecture. Brilliant idea and excellent execution. Bravo! Cool image.

Best,
Gosia

worldcitizen (15930) 2013-07-14 9:13

Hello Andrew,
Very nice presentation! I like the squares within squares that make up the foreground; they are a great lead-in to the building itself. I like the strong symmetry and architecture, too. This capitol building seems to scream out: "here I am"!! :-) It's nice that there is a blue sky, and an uncluttered background. There is lots of space to just admire this lovely building.

annjackman (23019) 2013-07-14 11:06

Hello Andrew,
I do like this one from your state capitol series very much indeed. The low viewpoint, symmetry and strong pattern on the pavement has great visual impact. Beautifully sharp and lovely light management.
Excellent!
Kind Regards, Ann

abmdsudi (95869) 2013-07-14 11:29

Hi Andrew
The angle really works as near perfect for symmetry as possible that give it life and the enormous depth and perspective. A very neat and clean architectural shot that benefits from the impressive compo and no one will miss the soaring eye-catching dome and the red & white pavement which serve as strong guidance to the whole spectacle. I think you've done it justice showing the grandeur of this magnificent building. Congrats.
Best regards

holmertz (101930) 2013-07-14 12:06

Hello Andrew,
Being the smallest state it seems Rhode Island had to compensate for that by building this very impressive capitol. It may be oversized but it is no doubt a magnificent palace with a very nicely patterned front square. You give us a straightforward but instructive view of it from what I guess must have been the ultimate POV.
Kind regards,
Gert

jcpix (14030) 2013-07-14 19:06

Hi Andrew,

I'd have to say, this is my new favorite from your series of capitols...what a beauty! This lower point of view, the wide angle, and that foreground color and pattern is stunning...you nailed it on this one! The soft light over the building itself is also a blissful effect, this has so many wonderful attributes to it...the only thing that didn't work in your favor was someones decision to park in your frame! :) Have a great week ahead. Take it easy.

Best regards,

Jason

kasianowak (17672) 2013-07-15 4:30

Hi Andrew
Another very well composed architectural image from you! I really like the symmetry and the strong lines leading the viewer's eye towards the building.
Best wishes
Kasia

ourania (51103) 2013-07-15 7:10

Hello Andrew,
this is an exquisite presentation of the Rhode Island State Capitol. Your composition is very dynamic and atrractive, exalts the grandeur, symmetry and details of the architecture, offers visual pleasure and gives us the chance to really get know this building. I like very much your decision to give emphasis on the patterns in the foreground, they are captivating and lead us effectively to the three dark arches of the entrance. The soft light gives a delightful warmth to the marble and the interaction among the colours is wonderful. I also like the workshop picture, its theme and intriguing point of view. Your note is superb. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great week,
Ourania

Hansaphotos (11381) 2013-07-15 13:16

Hi Andrew

A very good use of the wide angle lens here. The fine stonework together with your low point of view creates a stunning effect and adds a lot of depth to the scene. Impressive building - and dome. I`ve seen what I believe is the fifth largest dome in the world on the San Franscico town hall, and that was impressive enough. Wonderful details and a fine symmetrical composition. Beautiful work my friend:) TFS.

Greetings, Erling

emka (157280) 2013-07-15 14:55

Hi Andrew, it fits ideally the whole screen and the picture is magnificent. The symmetrical composition, sharpness, natural colours are just stunning. The graphic pavement adds to depth of the image. Superb TE contribution.

Warm regrads

M Algo

dkmurphys (79209) 2013-07-16 1:32

Hi Andrew,
A perfect balanced POV with this impressive building. Simple and very attractive. Well taken.

Daniel

bona (15057) 2013-07-18 10:03

Hi Andrew,

another pretty photo of Capital buidings, now from Rhode Island. Are you thinkg to print a book from then? I think it could be a nice history/photobook to buy.
Nice low POV. But I'm seeing a dark line on the sky close to the left corner in the edge of the photo.

Warm regards
Andre

mjw364 (1466) 2013-07-19 2:17

Hello Andrew

I like the way you have made use of the lines and patterns here to create FG and lead us into the main subject of the state building. You also got the diagonals emerging from the corners too and it gives a sense of symmetry to the shot. Clear and sharp shot form front to back.

TFS

Mike

bayno (18348) 2013-07-22 7:08

Ciao Andew,
a central POV really well seen, the delightful floor with its graphics accompanies the eye until the nice building, perfect workmanship with the right setting for the best detail, good framing and symmetry, beautiful bright colors but not too saturated, in short, there are all the ingredients for a burst of success..
best regards,
Valter

frunchy (1800) 2013-07-31 22:13

Hello Andrew,

i really like your Project! Good luck on discovering your huge Country.

Good symmetry, exactly what such a shot Needs. The Settings of your camera Show, that you know what you do. Choosing F 13 gives a good DOF from the foreground until the horizon.

TFS, F.

adores (46979) 2013-08-02 17:23

Hi Andrew!
Another good addition to your interesting theme. Here, the pattern of the pavement is a wonderful detail - your pov is just perfect to lead our eyes from the pavement to the building. A very good shot!

gus72 (3719) 2013-08-03 22:55

HI Adrian !!
too many good comments ...... no need for me to repeat them
You put your wide angle to good use...... the photo is Perfect !!!
We were in RI only 5 weeks ago...... all very nice
Congratulations.
Cheers
Gus

fotka (8899) 2013-09-09 5:30

Hello Andrew,
It is a classic shot of the United States capital in Providence. I like the composition with camera set at low position. This way rectangular pattern leads nicely to main object. Very good quality shot with perfect colors, light, sharpness and interesting note.
Best regards,
Zbigniew

batalay (41261) 2014-02-19 22:21

Hello Andrew,

Now this is a familiar edifice, dominating over the skyline of Providence. We visit Providence, actually East Greenwich, frequently. The perfectly symmetry perspective you've chosen shows of the building with its full majesty, and the note is highly informative.

Thank you for visiting my gallery. I haven't been very active recently, but having recently returned from a rejuvenating trip to the South Pacific, I plan to post more photos.

Warm regards,

Bulent

photoray (13981) 2014-02-21 9:57

Howdy Andrew,

Fine positioning looking across the brick and marble rectangles to Rhode Island's capitol building. The timing of low level lighting enhances the architectural details.
Certainly a worthwhile endeavor to visit and photograph all our Capitols.

Thanks for sharing,
Cheers,
Ray

tyro (30513) 2014-02-25 6:47

Hello Andrew,

Geez, I don't know how I missed this one because it's a cracker!

Using an ultra-wide lens has certainly added tons of impact to this image by strengthening the already strong perspective. The patterns in the foreground make a wonderfully strong "lead in" to the magnificent building where the sideways light plays at an angle on its facade bringing out all the beautiful colours and textures in the classical stonework. And all beneath a beautiful sky.

Gorgeous light and colours, perfect exposure and exquisite details and sharpness.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

fritzi007 (14698) 2014-03-15 16:48

Hello Andrew,
very good image sharpness, a very high photo quality, very good photo!
regards
Wolfgang

kwekwekan (1078) 2014-03-30 15:49

Hi Andrew,
Nice low POV that enhances the geometrical pattern of the lane leading up to the capitol building. Good brightness, clarity and contrasts as well.
Thanks for sharing,
Caleb